Contactor and Thermostat

[mikekozura]

Poles and elements have nothing to do with each other. Poles have to do with how many hots you have. 220v single phase = 2 poles 120v volts between each side and neutral.
On the load side of the contactor you can fit more than one wire in the lugs and there's also male spade connecters. So I guess the answer to your double question is yes.
Now elements are directly related to the amp of the contactor say you have three at 3300 watts at 220 volts your going to draw 45 amps. watts*volts=amps

Poles = power supply / amps = elements*volts

[mtumbleson]

Thank you so much, you communicate what you know very well, it's a relief from your average response.

[mikekozura]

No, thank you very much that was very kind... I thought I just had a lot of bullsh@t. Just glad I can help. Need anything just pm or e-mail.

[gourdhedd]

Originally Posted by mtumbleson

Ok, I'm starting to get it.

So, to add on that; would I need a contactor with as many poles as I have elements, or can I double them up?

Nope, two poles are all that's required. Each pole attaches to an opposite end connection of the elements. You'll have the same number of wires terminated in each pole as you have elements.

[mikekozura]

Dude, listen to Gary he's the powdercoat oven big dude. If it was'nt for Gary the Binford 5000 may have never been born. LOL LOL My first search ever on the internet last year I typed in powdercoat oven and there it was.

[gourdhedd]

Originally Posted by mikekozura

Dude, listen to Gary he's the powdercoat oven big dude. If it was'nt for Gary the Binford 5000 may have never been born. LOL LOL My first search ever on the internet last year I typed in powdercoat oven and there it was.

Heh! I wish I could find my own site that easy!

[itsallgood]

Gary,
I just want to say "Thank You" up front. I asked this question a few months ago when I had time to start building and then I got slammed and just now getting back to finishing it up. The information you provided is very helpful. I will get the stuff needed and may be messaging you for a little more info.

What gauge of wire did you guys use that runs to the elements?

[mikekozura]

Originally Posted by itsallgood

What gauge of wire did you guys use that runs to the elements?

example:

14awg = 15amp
12awg = 20amp
10awg = 30amp
8awg = I can't remember(more than 30amp)

3300watt*220v = 15amp so if you would run a separate set of wires to each element you would only need 14awg. But like my old Voc-tech teacher told me over wire and under fuse and you'll never have to sleep with your boots on. I wired my four elements two and two so I ran two sets of 8awg (four wires) only need 10awg but over wired to 8awg. If you use the contactor from Gary's site you have lots of room for wires on the load side.

Keep the wires out of the heat

Hope this helps Happy New year.

[gourdhedd]

Originally Posted by itsallgood

I will get the stuff needed and may be messaging you for a little more info.

Feel free to.

[itsallgood]

Okay, just wanted to make sure I ran big enough wire to each of them.
I ran a seperate set of wires to each element, each wire was 10 ga. so I should be okay. I'm going to pick up a contact locally tomorrow so I can get this thing wired up. I have 4 complete quads to powdercoat, and only one of them being mine. I've coated several things in my fat oven (they are side by side) but nothing that I can do a frame in, but that was almost 2 years ago. Where are you guys buying your powders in small quantities from now days (10lbs or less).

Thanks...